AARP ElderWatch Project fights the financial exploitation of older Americans in the state of Colorado through collection of data, extensive outreach and education, and the provision of technical assistance.

The Project provides information to and coordinates efforts by the state’s law enforcement offices, adult protection and mental health agencies and organizations assisting older Americans - as well as efforts undertaken by older Americans themselves.

The AARP ElderWatch Project, which is administered by the AARP Foundation, grew out of a 1999 study published by Colorado Attorney General, Ken Salazar’s Office, Respecting Our Elders: A Statewide Action Plan to Combat Senior Fraud, which prompted legislative changes that were implemented in the 2000 session of the Colorado General Assembly. Among the report’s recommendations was the establishment of a statewide clearinghouse of information set up as a nonprofit agency, to coordinate efforts in both the public and private sectors.

Specific efforts undertaken by the Project include:

Hotline

A toll free senior assistance hotline provides information and assistance to older people as well as caregivers

Consumer Alerts

Information is disseminated by phone, fax, and e-mail to law enforcement agencies, prosecutor offices, adult protection agencies, nursing homes, independent living and assisted living facilities, senior centers, and other private and nonprofit organizations.

Data Collection

The Project collects data on abuse and financial exploitation of older people. Reports are collected from a variety of law enforcement agencies, adult protection agencies, and other organizations. They are reported in a regular and standardized way that permits the creation of a baseline and the ability to track trends. The information will be useful in tailoring programs to meet specific needs or target specific populations.

Media Outreach and Public Relations

The Project develops public service announcements and commercials for use in both print and electronic media.

Educational Materials

The Project is a central repository for educational materials regarding the abuse and financial exploitation of older people. It also develops, designs, and publishes its own educational materials on fraud and scams, in the form of newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and videotapes.

Training

The Project develops training materials and curricula for use by law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, adult protection and other agencies, as well as for use by family members, individuals, and the media. The materials not only train these groups to detect and prevent financial exploitation; they also provide models for conducting local or regional educational efforts. AARP Foundation has fought to combat financial exploitation of older Americans, including work on numerous lawsuits fighting schemes that prey on older consumers. In the AARP ElderWatch Project, AARP Foundation has teamed with the State Attorney General’s office in Colorado, which has initially funded the Project with a three-year grant. It is hoped that this statewide program will serve as a model for similar efforts across the country.